The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1887-10-12
CRADOCK HOUSE.
BY WM. C. BAMBURGH.

Massachusetts, claims more real opu-
lence of historic interest than any other
section of the country, and probably lit
tie so edifying to many New Englanders
IS the old residence of Governer Cradock,
in Medford.
The Cradock House, built in 1886 fol-
the first Governor of the Massachusetts,
Company, is of brick with sloping roof
of worm-eaten and moss-covered shin
giles, low front door through which the
weary feet of Winthrop and Endicott
and their co-workers for freedom from
the bondage England imposed upon their
sect have often passed. 1t is spot for
memorable associations to flock upon the
thoughtful mind; but there is little re-
naming within to remind one of the age
worn days-a stray pot-hook, disman-
tled musket, the great chimney piece,
perhaps: and the solemn, Puritanical
majesty of the house itself.
1t was cool, calm September morning
in 1644, that we look upon at the outset
of this story. The broad fields with the
few cattle that had been browsing along
the banks of the Mystick, now being
driven along to the pasture yonder by the
chestnut trees; the fires from the Turkey
Swamp coursing upward and drifting,
and clouding the warm blue of the sky,
the sad. solitary stiffness of the sparse
settlement, all tended to impress the
wild beauty upon the hearts of Mathew
Cradock and Damaris, his daughter, who
stood at the threshold awaiting the usual
arrival of some settler for aid, counsel or
privilege.
The two seemed like lovers, so devoted
were they in their affection, and their
fidelity knew no limits, exchanging
caresses, lavishing all the sweetnesses
that frank girlhood and proud fathers
love tou conjure up, making their
lives one constant worship and COM
munion, fostering charity, and promot-
ing that kindness in the Governor which
is ctronicled in history-a fairness of
Judgment and trust in all that would
trust in him. He possessed ready
temper, however, was quickly angered
at slight wrong; but his daughter was
one who could control him with sooth-
ing words and caresses.
The morning passed uneventfully at
the old Garrison House until the time
for the return of the cattle, when Mathew,
who always saw to their arrival himself,
.espied huge black spots on the sides of
his precious COWS, and he became very
angry. Rushing out to the serving man,
he grabbed him by the long sash about
his waist, and exclaimed:
'Zounds! man! know ye not these cat
tie are all that we have2 and yet thou
dost let them stray upon public commons
and be branded with pitch. Yea, and
furthermore, they be Governors stock !!
Curses be upon thee; but see that it oc-
cureth not again." and he ordered lie
cattle to be driven to the river and
washed as we'll as possible.
"Sir," said the servant doffing his hat
and making motion of OBTAINING the great
London merchant settler; "there are
tidings among the people down by the
commons that traveller. evidently from
q distance, had come asking for Governor
Mathew Cradock, and was lodged by
Goodman Abram NOVEL; last night.
Twas he that sent the message hither by
me, and added in warning that ye be
prepared against the invasion by one who
looks half Indian and half Englishman. ]"
The thought of this suspicious arrival
was lingering in the mind of the Govern
or as he knelt at the settle by the huge
fireplace, which was heaped up with logs
in readiness for the next winters warmth,
and prayed for deliverance from all i'm
pending dangers, and guidance in the
reception and accomplishment of all
duties.
Damaris had taken the candle and was
half way up the staircase, lighting her
mothers way to bed, and had stopped
for reply to her fathers question as to tie
folio wing days worship, when the great
brass knocker creaked and d resounding
thud announced the arrival of some one
evidently upon urgent business. Such
awakenings were not uncommon at the
fort, for the Governor had authority over
all things, and was always first appealed
to. Damaris stopped in her speech, her
mother looked anxiously at the bolted
door whose iron casing had served to
make the knock so much louder. Bolt
after bolt WAS withdrawn, the huge key
turned, and he opened the door but a
2ew inches, inquiring in strong tones
"What want you at this hour2 Speak
quickly, for sleep is precious"
81 would see your douglter, Damaris," "
replied a gentle, manly voice that seemed
the semblance of one she had heard
before.
No such request had before been made
by any one, and it brought the Govern
-. -,
"Man alive! Who are you that at
this hour so unpropitious, and in per
sonality so mysti, al, come and claim con-
verse with my daughter? She has no
doings with others than are in this
household, and command you to keep
the peace and rouse US no more. he
said, violently closing the door and bolt
ing and barring it, while Damaris and her
mother looked on tremblinglyuntil the last
mode of fastening had been used. "Good
night, mother" said he, as he bade them
on their way, land see that thy windows
are we'll secured. l have thoughts that
will keep me well intothe ght, and must
away 10 morrow early and sec Governor
Winthrop. Goodman Norcross will pro-
tcct YOU to church"
Damaris was dazed as she went to her
room after a fond embrace from her
mother, who had borne many hardships
in New England, that her daughter
might grow up we'll and pious. The
girl. for she was yet young, in her twen-
ties, was tall and slender, gathering into
her movements the grace and simplicity
her early life in London among
the beauty and wealth of the times